Press and Media
Researchers at the University of Leeds are looking for mothers who have Inflammatory Bowel Diseas... more Researchers at the University of Leeds are looking for mothers who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and are from an ethnic minority background, or are single mothers from any background, to take part in a study relating to their experience of transitioning to motherhood.
This study funded by Crohn’s and Colitis UK will assess the unique experiences, needs and challenges of mothers with IBD to better inform future mums-to-be, their families, partners and healthcare providers.
Researchers are looking to interview at least 20 women from across the UK who have at least one or more biological children between the ages of 2-7 years old.
The researchers are based in Leeds but will travel to participants' preferred location.
If you are interested and would like more information about the study, please contact Lead Researcher Jihane Ghorayeb at ps12jg@leeds.ac.uk or Lead Supervisor Professor Anna Madill at a.l.madill@leeds.ac.uk
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be broadly divided into Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis,... more Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be broadly divided into Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Indeterminate Colitis and is characterised by the inflammation of the digestive tract. IBD can affect all aspect of an individual’s wellbeing, including family planning. Becoming a mother can be one of the most joyful, but also one of the most stressful, phases in a woman’s life and can be even more challenging within the context of a chronic illness such as IBD. Unfortunately, little information is available for women with IBD who are considering starting a family.
A team of researchers led by Professor Anna Madill from the University of Leeds have received funding from Crohn’s and Colitis UK to close this gap in understanding and investigate the experiences of mothers with IBD who have at least one young birth-child. The research study has received full ethical approval from the University of Leeds and has recruited and interviewed 20 relevant women from around the UK.
The data retrieved from these interviews will be used to create YouTube medleys to convey publicly, and in a user-friendly way, the main themes derived from the analysis of the lived experience of mothers with IBD.
The study aims to inform mums-to-be with IBD, their partners, families, and healthcare providers about the specific challenges and unique experiences faced by women who transitioned to motherhood within the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
For further information please contact:
Jihane Ghorayeb, PhD researcher: ps12jg@leeds.ac.uk
Professor Anna Madill: a.l.madill@leeds.ac.uk
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Recruitment article for research study "IBD and Mums-To-Be" published in 'News' Winter Edition 20... more Recruitment article for research study "IBD and Mums-To-Be" published in 'News' Winter Edition 2014-2015
Edited by Natalie Christie
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Crohn's and Colitis UK has funded Professor Anna Madill (University of Leeds) and Dr Peter Branne... more Crohn's and Colitis UK has funded Professor Anna Madill (University of Leeds) and Dr Peter Branney (Leeds Beckett University) to research the transition to motherhood with IBD.
The aim of this research is to inform women, their partners, and healthcare providers about the experience of planning and starting a family, and coping with young children in the context of maternal IBD.
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IBD and Mums-To-Be Research Documents
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Conferences, Posters and Symposium
Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of child bearing age, but requi... more Introduction: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of child bearing age, but requires complex decision
making around pregnancy. While infertility is only slightly increased many women decide against having children.
Voluntary childlessness (VC) rates exceed those of the general population by far. The reasons for VC remain
incompletely understood.
Methods: Approximately 4300 female members of the patient organisation Crohn’s and Colitis UK aged 18-45 years were
asked by email to complete an online questionnaire. Data collection included patient demographics, education,
employment, marital status, and disease characteristics. Childlessness status and patient views were assessed as in the
previous study by Marri (2007). Disease related pregnancy knowledge was recorded with the validated CCPKnow score.
Results: 1324 women with mean age of 33 years completed the survey (response rate 31%). Of these 76% were in a
long-term relationship and 87% were in employment or education. 776 (59%) suffered from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496
(38%) from ulcerative colitis (UC) and 4% from IBD-U. 40% had children [14% pre diagnosis (I); 26% post diagnosis (II)],
36% planned to have children at some stage (III), 7% reported fertility problems (IV) and 17% were classified as
voluntarily childless (VC). 673 patients had sought medical advice about pregnancy and IBD.
VC was associated with poorer disease-related knowledge (CCPKnow 5.98 vs 7.47 in (II); p<0.001), older age (35y vs
28y in (II); p<0.001), unemployment (9.7% VC; p<0.001), being single (34.5% VC; p<0.001, not seeking medical advice
(p<0.001), and diagnosis of CD (19.3% vs 13.9% UC; p=0.015). Women with VC had more hospital admissions (mean
2.85 vs 2.17 (III); p=0.03) and surgical interventions (mean 1.27 vs 0.65 (III); p<0.001). Exposure with different types of
IBD medication was not associated with VC.
The main patient concerns were around inheritance (20.6%), inability to cope with a child (20.6%), and the influence of
pregnancy on IBD (18%).
Conclusion: VC occurs frequently in women with IBD and appears to be multifactorial. Disease type and severity
influence VC. Differences in disease burden could explain why VC is more common in CD than UC. Patients are mostly
concerned regarding inheritability, disease course and the ability to cope with the added stress of being a mother.VC is
associated with poor pregnancy specific knowledge and many women may stay childless unnecessarily. Patient
education programs may help to reduce the rate of VC by correcting misconceptions and alleviating patient concerns.
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PowerPoint presentation given at the IBD summit - recipient of honorarium from Takeda
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Abstract submitted at the annual IBD Summit in Birmingham, UK. The presentation of the findings w... more Abstract submitted at the annual IBD Summit in Birmingham, UK. The presentation of the findings was held on the 30th of January 2016
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This paper was presented at the BPS conference in Cambridge on September 4th 2015. The presenter ... more This paper was presented at the BPS conference in Cambridge on September 4th 2015. The presenter Jihane Ghorayeb looks at the transition to motherhood within the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. She introduces her PhD research study entitled “IBD and Mums-To-Be” and goes over the preliminary results and themes generated using Thematic Analysis on a sample of 20 women. Notably, two main themes labelled “burden of knowledge” and “weighing decision-making” punctuated and fluctuated throughout the transition phase. These early results might provide some insight into the participants' lived experience which ultimately informs researchers, other mums, their partners, families, and health-care providers about the needs, challenges, and coping mechanisms of mother with IBD.
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This paper was presented as part of a symposium on "visual methods in qualitative research" at th... more This paper was presented as part of a symposium on "visual methods in qualitative research" at the BPS conference held in Cambridge on September 3rd, 2015. The presenter addresses the suitability of using video-recording methods to convey the delicate journey of women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease who are transitioning into motherhood. She draws on her data collection experience to address the omnipresent gaze of the camera and how both the interviewee and the interviewer relate to the visual method. She also highlights similarities in claims and limitations shared between photo-elicitation and video-recording in qualitative research.
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Papers
AIM
To examine patient knowledge and factors influencing knowledge about pregnancy in British wom... more AIM
To examine patient knowledge and factors influencing knowledge about pregnancy in British women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
METHODS
This is a post hoc analysis of a study of female members
of Crohn’s and colitis United Kingdom, aged 18-45 years who were sent an online questionnaire recording patient demographics, education, employment, marital status, and disease characteristics. Disease related pregnancy knowledge was recorded using Crohn’s and colitis pregnancy knowledge score (CCPknow).
RESULTS
Of 1324 responders, 776 (59%) suffered from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496 (38%) from ulcerative colitis (UC) and 52 (4%) from IBD-uncategorised (IBD-U). CCPKnow scores were poor (0-7) in 50.8%, adequate (8-10) in 23.6%, good (11-13) in 17.7% and very good (≥ 14) in 7.8%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher CCPKnow scores were independently associated with higher educational achievement (p < 0.001), younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.003) and having consulted a health care professional about pregnancy and IBD (p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Knowledge was poor in 50%. Speaking with healthcare
professionals was a modifiable factor associated
with better knowledge. This illustrates the importance
of disease related pregnancy education.
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Introduction:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of child bearing age and rates ... more Introduction:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of child bearing age and rates of voluntary childlessness (VC) exceed those of the general population by far. The factors surrounding VC remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Female members of the patient organisation Crohn’s and Colitis UK aged 18-45 years were invited to complete an online questionnaire collecting data on demographics, disease characteristics, pregnancy specific disease-related knowledge (CCPKnow) and childlessness status.
Results:
1324 women (mean age 33 years) completed the survey. 776 (59%) were diagnosed with from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496 (38%) with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 4% with IBD-U. 40% had children (14% pre-diagnosis (I); 26% post-diagnosis (II)), 36% planned to have children at some stage (III), 7% reported fertility problems (IV) and 17% were classified as voluntarily childless (VC). VC was associated with poorer CCPKnow scores (5.98 vs 7.47 in (III); p<0.001), older age (35y vs 28y in (II); p<0.001), unemployment (9.7% VC; p<0.001), being single (34.5% VC; p<0.001, not seeking medical advice (p<0.001), and diagnosis of CD (19.3% vs 13.9% UC; p=0.015). Women with VC had more hospital admissions (mean 2.85 vs 2.17 (III); p=0.03) and surgical interventions (mean 1.27 vs 0.65 (III); p<0.001)
Conclusion:
The aetiology of VC in women with IBD is multifactorial. Women’s choice regarding children appears related to disease burden. VC is also associated with poor knowledge (CCPKnow) and women may stay childless unnecessarily. Patient education programmes could help to reduce the rate of VC in women with IBD through correcting misconceptions and alleviating patient concerns.
Key words: Inflammatory Bowel Disease; pregnancy; fertility; voluntary childlessness
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Karam-Hage, M., Ouyang, F., Ghorayeb, J., Mullan, P., Brower, K. and Gruppen, L. (2014), Stimulating and evaluating acquired knowledge of addiction among residents through repeat testing: A pilot study. The American Journal on Addictions. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2014.12141.x Background
Addictive disorders receive little attention in medical school and residency progra... more Background
Addictive disorders receive little attention in medical school and residency program curricula.
Objective
To evaluate an innovative learning approach encouraging and stimulating residents to focus on key competencies by testing before and after their addiction psychiatry rotation.
Methods
We developed a 50-item test on substance use disorders. Twenty-six general psychiatry residents, post-graduate year I (PGY-I) and II (PGY-II), participated in the pilot study and were divided into three groups. PGY-I residents were divided into Group 1, who were tested the last day of the rotation and again 2 months later, and Group 2, who were tested on the first and the last day of the rotation. Eight of 11 PGY-II residents agreed to participate as controls (Group 3), as they had previously completed their 2-month addiction psychiatry rotation as PGY-I's. All residents were informed that the testing would not affect their individual grade. After taking the first test, all three groups received related study materials.
Results
A statistically significant increase in re-test scores occurred in the combined groups (p < .001). The largest changes in scores were among Group 2 (the group taking the test on first and last day of their addiction psychiatry rotation).
Conclusion
The greatest learning seemed to occur when residents were tested at beginning and end of the rotation. However, all residents' test scores improved to some degree, regardless of their level of training or the timing of the test.
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Uploads
Press and Media
This study funded by Crohn’s and Colitis UK will assess the unique experiences, needs and challenges of mothers with IBD to better inform future mums-to-be, their families, partners and healthcare providers.
Researchers are looking to interview at least 20 women from across the UK who have at least one or more biological children between the ages of 2-7 years old.
The researchers are based in Leeds but will travel to participants' preferred location.
If you are interested and would like more information about the study, please contact Lead Researcher Jihane Ghorayeb at ps12jg@leeds.ac.uk or Lead Supervisor Professor Anna Madill at a.l.madill@leeds.ac.uk
A team of researchers led by Professor Anna Madill from the University of Leeds have received funding from Crohn’s and Colitis UK to close this gap in understanding and investigate the experiences of mothers with IBD who have at least one young birth-child. The research study has received full ethical approval from the University of Leeds and has recruited and interviewed 20 relevant women from around the UK.
The data retrieved from these interviews will be used to create YouTube medleys to convey publicly, and in a user-friendly way, the main themes derived from the analysis of the lived experience of mothers with IBD.
The study aims to inform mums-to-be with IBD, their partners, families, and healthcare providers about the specific challenges and unique experiences faced by women who transitioned to motherhood within the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
For further information please contact:
Jihane Ghorayeb, PhD researcher: ps12jg@leeds.ac.uk
Professor Anna Madill: a.l.madill@leeds.ac.uk
Edited by Natalie Christie
The aim of this research is to inform women, their partners, and healthcare providers about the experience of planning and starting a family, and coping with young children in the context of maternal IBD.
IBD and Mums-To-Be Research Documents
Conferences, Posters and Symposium
making around pregnancy. While infertility is only slightly increased many women decide against having children.
Voluntary childlessness (VC) rates exceed those of the general population by far. The reasons for VC remain
incompletely understood.
Methods: Approximately 4300 female members of the patient organisation Crohn’s and Colitis UK aged 18-45 years were
asked by email to complete an online questionnaire. Data collection included patient demographics, education,
employment, marital status, and disease characteristics. Childlessness status and patient views were assessed as in the
previous study by Marri (2007). Disease related pregnancy knowledge was recorded with the validated CCPKnow score.
Results: 1324 women with mean age of 33 years completed the survey (response rate 31%). Of these 76% were in a
long-term relationship and 87% were in employment or education. 776 (59%) suffered from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496
(38%) from ulcerative colitis (UC) and 4% from IBD-U. 40% had children [14% pre diagnosis (I); 26% post diagnosis (II)],
36% planned to have children at some stage (III), 7% reported fertility problems (IV) and 17% were classified as
voluntarily childless (VC). 673 patients had sought medical advice about pregnancy and IBD.
VC was associated with poorer disease-related knowledge (CCPKnow 5.98 vs 7.47 in (II); p<0.001), older age (35y vs
28y in (II); p<0.001), unemployment (9.7% VC; p<0.001), being single (34.5% VC; p<0.001, not seeking medical advice
(p<0.001), and diagnosis of CD (19.3% vs 13.9% UC; p=0.015). Women with VC had more hospital admissions (mean
2.85 vs 2.17 (III); p=0.03) and surgical interventions (mean 1.27 vs 0.65 (III); p<0.001). Exposure with different types of
IBD medication was not associated with VC.
The main patient concerns were around inheritance (20.6%), inability to cope with a child (20.6%), and the influence of
pregnancy on IBD (18%).
Conclusion: VC occurs frequently in women with IBD and appears to be multifactorial. Disease type and severity
influence VC. Differences in disease burden could explain why VC is more common in CD than UC. Patients are mostly
concerned regarding inheritability, disease course and the ability to cope with the added stress of being a mother.VC is
associated with poor pregnancy specific knowledge and many women may stay childless unnecessarily. Patient
education programs may help to reduce the rate of VC by correcting misconceptions and alleviating patient concerns.
Papers
To examine patient knowledge and factors influencing knowledge about pregnancy in British women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
METHODS
This is a post hoc analysis of a study of female members
of Crohn’s and colitis United Kingdom, aged 18-45 years who were sent an online questionnaire recording patient demographics, education, employment, marital status, and disease characteristics. Disease related pregnancy knowledge was recorded using Crohn’s and colitis pregnancy knowledge score (CCPknow).
RESULTS
Of 1324 responders, 776 (59%) suffered from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496 (38%) from ulcerative colitis (UC) and 52 (4%) from IBD-uncategorised (IBD-U). CCPKnow scores were poor (0-7) in 50.8%, adequate (8-10) in 23.6%, good (11-13) in 17.7% and very good (≥ 14) in 7.8%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher CCPKnow scores were independently associated with higher educational achievement (p < 0.001), younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.003) and having consulted a health care professional about pregnancy and IBD (p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Knowledge was poor in 50%. Speaking with healthcare
professionals was a modifiable factor associated
with better knowledge. This illustrates the importance
of disease related pregnancy education.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of child bearing age and rates of voluntary childlessness (VC) exceed those of the general population by far. The factors surrounding VC remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Female members of the patient organisation Crohn’s and Colitis UK aged 18-45 years were invited to complete an online questionnaire collecting data on demographics, disease characteristics, pregnancy specific disease-related knowledge (CCPKnow) and childlessness status.
Results:
1324 women (mean age 33 years) completed the survey. 776 (59%) were diagnosed with from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496 (38%) with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 4% with IBD-U. 40% had children (14% pre-diagnosis (I); 26% post-diagnosis (II)), 36% planned to have children at some stage (III), 7% reported fertility problems (IV) and 17% were classified as voluntarily childless (VC). VC was associated with poorer CCPKnow scores (5.98 vs 7.47 in (III); p<0.001), older age (35y vs 28y in (II); p<0.001), unemployment (9.7% VC; p<0.001), being single (34.5% VC; p<0.001, not seeking medical advice (p<0.001), and diagnosis of CD (19.3% vs 13.9% UC; p=0.015). Women with VC had more hospital admissions (mean 2.85 vs 2.17 (III); p=0.03) and surgical interventions (mean 1.27 vs 0.65 (III); p<0.001)
Conclusion:
The aetiology of VC in women with IBD is multifactorial. Women’s choice regarding children appears related to disease burden. VC is also associated with poor knowledge (CCPKnow) and women may stay childless unnecessarily. Patient education programmes could help to reduce the rate of VC in women with IBD through correcting misconceptions and alleviating patient concerns.
Key words: Inflammatory Bowel Disease; pregnancy; fertility; voluntary childlessness
Addictive disorders receive little attention in medical school and residency program curricula.
Objective
To evaluate an innovative learning approach encouraging and stimulating residents to focus on key competencies by testing before and after their addiction psychiatry rotation.
Methods
We developed a 50-item test on substance use disorders. Twenty-six general psychiatry residents, post-graduate year I (PGY-I) and II (PGY-II), participated in the pilot study and were divided into three groups. PGY-I residents were divided into Group 1, who were tested the last day of the rotation and again 2 months later, and Group 2, who were tested on the first and the last day of the rotation. Eight of 11 PGY-II residents agreed to participate as controls (Group 3), as they had previously completed their 2-month addiction psychiatry rotation as PGY-I's. All residents were informed that the testing would not affect their individual grade. After taking the first test, all three groups received related study materials.
Results
A statistically significant increase in re-test scores occurred in the combined groups (p < .001). The largest changes in scores were among Group 2 (the group taking the test on first and last day of their addiction psychiatry rotation).
Conclusion
The greatest learning seemed to occur when residents were tested at beginning and end of the rotation. However, all residents' test scores improved to some degree, regardless of their level of training or the timing of the test.
This study funded by Crohn’s and Colitis UK will assess the unique experiences, needs and challenges of mothers with IBD to better inform future mums-to-be, their families, partners and healthcare providers.
Researchers are looking to interview at least 20 women from across the UK who have at least one or more biological children between the ages of 2-7 years old.
The researchers are based in Leeds but will travel to participants' preferred location.
If you are interested and would like more information about the study, please contact Lead Researcher Jihane Ghorayeb at ps12jg@leeds.ac.uk or Lead Supervisor Professor Anna Madill at a.l.madill@leeds.ac.uk
A team of researchers led by Professor Anna Madill from the University of Leeds have received funding from Crohn’s and Colitis UK to close this gap in understanding and investigate the experiences of mothers with IBD who have at least one young birth-child. The research study has received full ethical approval from the University of Leeds and has recruited and interviewed 20 relevant women from around the UK.
The data retrieved from these interviews will be used to create YouTube medleys to convey publicly, and in a user-friendly way, the main themes derived from the analysis of the lived experience of mothers with IBD.
The study aims to inform mums-to-be with IBD, their partners, families, and healthcare providers about the specific challenges and unique experiences faced by women who transitioned to motherhood within the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
For further information please contact:
Jihane Ghorayeb, PhD researcher: ps12jg@leeds.ac.uk
Professor Anna Madill: a.l.madill@leeds.ac.uk
Edited by Natalie Christie
The aim of this research is to inform women, their partners, and healthcare providers about the experience of planning and starting a family, and coping with young children in the context of maternal IBD.
making around pregnancy. While infertility is only slightly increased many women decide against having children.
Voluntary childlessness (VC) rates exceed those of the general population by far. The reasons for VC remain
incompletely understood.
Methods: Approximately 4300 female members of the patient organisation Crohn’s and Colitis UK aged 18-45 years were
asked by email to complete an online questionnaire. Data collection included patient demographics, education,
employment, marital status, and disease characteristics. Childlessness status and patient views were assessed as in the
previous study by Marri (2007). Disease related pregnancy knowledge was recorded with the validated CCPKnow score.
Results: 1324 women with mean age of 33 years completed the survey (response rate 31%). Of these 76% were in a
long-term relationship and 87% were in employment or education. 776 (59%) suffered from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496
(38%) from ulcerative colitis (UC) and 4% from IBD-U. 40% had children [14% pre diagnosis (I); 26% post diagnosis (II)],
36% planned to have children at some stage (III), 7% reported fertility problems (IV) and 17% were classified as
voluntarily childless (VC). 673 patients had sought medical advice about pregnancy and IBD.
VC was associated with poorer disease-related knowledge (CCPKnow 5.98 vs 7.47 in (II); p<0.001), older age (35y vs
28y in (II); p<0.001), unemployment (9.7% VC; p<0.001), being single (34.5% VC; p<0.001, not seeking medical advice
(p<0.001), and diagnosis of CD (19.3% vs 13.9% UC; p=0.015). Women with VC had more hospital admissions (mean
2.85 vs 2.17 (III); p=0.03) and surgical interventions (mean 1.27 vs 0.65 (III); p<0.001). Exposure with different types of
IBD medication was not associated with VC.
The main patient concerns were around inheritance (20.6%), inability to cope with a child (20.6%), and the influence of
pregnancy on IBD (18%).
Conclusion: VC occurs frequently in women with IBD and appears to be multifactorial. Disease type and severity
influence VC. Differences in disease burden could explain why VC is more common in CD than UC. Patients are mostly
concerned regarding inheritability, disease course and the ability to cope with the added stress of being a mother.VC is
associated with poor pregnancy specific knowledge and many women may stay childless unnecessarily. Patient
education programs may help to reduce the rate of VC by correcting misconceptions and alleviating patient concerns.
To examine patient knowledge and factors influencing knowledge about pregnancy in British women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
METHODS
This is a post hoc analysis of a study of female members
of Crohn’s and colitis United Kingdom, aged 18-45 years who were sent an online questionnaire recording patient demographics, education, employment, marital status, and disease characteristics. Disease related pregnancy knowledge was recorded using Crohn’s and colitis pregnancy knowledge score (CCPknow).
RESULTS
Of 1324 responders, 776 (59%) suffered from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496 (38%) from ulcerative colitis (UC) and 52 (4%) from IBD-uncategorised (IBD-U). CCPKnow scores were poor (0-7) in 50.8%, adequate (8-10) in 23.6%, good (11-13) in 17.7% and very good (≥ 14) in 7.8%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that higher CCPKnow scores were independently associated with higher educational achievement (p < 0.001), younger age at diagnosis (p = 0.003) and having consulted a health care professional about pregnancy and IBD (p = 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Knowledge was poor in 50%. Speaking with healthcare
professionals was a modifiable factor associated
with better knowledge. This illustrates the importance
of disease related pregnancy education.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of child bearing age and rates of voluntary childlessness (VC) exceed those of the general population by far. The factors surrounding VC remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Female members of the patient organisation Crohn’s and Colitis UK aged 18-45 years were invited to complete an online questionnaire collecting data on demographics, disease characteristics, pregnancy specific disease-related knowledge (CCPKnow) and childlessness status.
Results:
1324 women (mean age 33 years) completed the survey. 776 (59%) were diagnosed with from Crohn’s disease (CD), 496 (38%) with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 4% with IBD-U. 40% had children (14% pre-diagnosis (I); 26% post-diagnosis (II)), 36% planned to have children at some stage (III), 7% reported fertility problems (IV) and 17% were classified as voluntarily childless (VC). VC was associated with poorer CCPKnow scores (5.98 vs 7.47 in (III); p<0.001), older age (35y vs 28y in (II); p<0.001), unemployment (9.7% VC; p<0.001), being single (34.5% VC; p<0.001, not seeking medical advice (p<0.001), and diagnosis of CD (19.3% vs 13.9% UC; p=0.015). Women with VC had more hospital admissions (mean 2.85 vs 2.17 (III); p=0.03) and surgical interventions (mean 1.27 vs 0.65 (III); p<0.001)
Conclusion:
The aetiology of VC in women with IBD is multifactorial. Women’s choice regarding children appears related to disease burden. VC is also associated with poor knowledge (CCPKnow) and women may stay childless unnecessarily. Patient education programmes could help to reduce the rate of VC in women with IBD through correcting misconceptions and alleviating patient concerns.
Key words: Inflammatory Bowel Disease; pregnancy; fertility; voluntary childlessness
Addictive disorders receive little attention in medical school and residency program curricula.
Objective
To evaluate an innovative learning approach encouraging and stimulating residents to focus on key competencies by testing before and after their addiction psychiatry rotation.
Methods
We developed a 50-item test on substance use disorders. Twenty-six general psychiatry residents, post-graduate year I (PGY-I) and II (PGY-II), participated in the pilot study and were divided into three groups. PGY-I residents were divided into Group 1, who were tested the last day of the rotation and again 2 months later, and Group 2, who were tested on the first and the last day of the rotation. Eight of 11 PGY-II residents agreed to participate as controls (Group 3), as they had previously completed their 2-month addiction psychiatry rotation as PGY-I's. All residents were informed that the testing would not affect their individual grade. After taking the first test, all three groups received related study materials.
Results
A statistically significant increase in re-test scores occurred in the combined groups (p < .001). The largest changes in scores were among Group 2 (the group taking the test on first and last day of their addiction psychiatry rotation).
Conclusion
The greatest learning seemed to occur when residents were tested at beginning and end of the rotation. However, all residents' test scores improved to some degree, regardless of their level of training or the timing of the test.